BROOS BEEFS UP BAFANA BAFANA ATTACK
THERE is one thing that’s clear in the Bafana Bafana’s 34-man provisional squad ahead of their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers - coach Hugo Broos wants to see more goals.
Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Vincent Pule are the notable inclusions upfront, following their stellar performances for their team in their last two matches when they inspired the Buccaneers to backto-back victories away and at home.
Mabasa richly deserves the call-up. Troubled by injuries for the better part last season, Mabasa went through a patchy stretch. But now fully-fit, the former Bloemfontein Celtic man has been a colossal figure for his team upfront.
He’s scored in his last two matches, coming off the bench and as a starter. Mabasa’s physique, aerial qualities and footwork makes him an ideal No 9. But he’ll need the assistance and guidance of seniors such as Percy Tau in Africa. Bafana have scored only one goal in the global showpiece qualifiers thus far, following their 1-0 win over Ghana at home and goalless draw away to Zimbabwe, but those four points have taken them to the summit of the standings in Group G. Ethiopia, though, should be a different kettle of fish. They are stubborn defensively having conceded only one goal thus far. That’s why
Bafana’s attacking unit has to be sharp. Often the goal difference can prove crucial in tight groups such as this one is expected to be. Broos’ midfield department looks solid as well, despite lingering questions over the omission of Rivaldo Coetzee.
The Mamelodi Sundowns defensive-midfielder has been arguably the best player in the top-flight this term.
Coetzee cleans up well for the defence and is constructive going forward as well. But perhaps the inclusion of Goodman Mosele will make the difference in Bafana's engine room that is needed. Mosele has enjoyed an impressive start to life with the Bucs.
Not only has he covered well for the defence but he’s chipped in with two goals in four starts, showing his knack to join in on attack as well. While Mosele is gradually becoming a household name in local football, Jesse Donn is still an unknown figure. Promoted from their reserve team a few seasons ago, Donn wasn’t a regular in SuperSport United’s midfield – with Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule the key figures. But it is Donn has stood out this season and been instrumental in the team’s bright start.
Whether he’ll crack it in the final squad or not remains to be seen. Broos is an admirer of young and disciplined talent and it should come as no surprise if the youngster gets a run. Despite not being a fullyfledged team, Bafana have been tight at the back so far. They are yet to concede. That should come as a motivation for captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who’s endured some nightmarish stints with the team before. Broos may have also called up Sifiso Mlungwana but he’s bemoaned the Golden Arrows shot-stopper’s weight gain in the past. And Mlungwana has done little to shed those extra kilos. Kaizer Chiefs duo Austin Dube and Sibusiso Mabiliso, who played in the Cosafa Cup and Olympic Games, were some of the players that were dropped.
The duo had average performances for the beleaguered Amakhosi in their last two matches.
FULL SQUAD: GOALKEEPERS: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Bruce Bvuma, Sifiso Mlungwana. DEFENDERS: Sydney Mobbie, Thapelo Morena, Njabulo Blom, Terrence Mashego, Sifiso Hlanti, Vusi Sibiya, Rushine De Reuck, Siyanda Xulu. Thibang Phete, Njabulo Ngcobo, Mosa Lebusa, Luke Fleurs, Tercious Malepe MIDFIELDERS: Thabani Zuke, Mothobi Mvala, Sphephelo Sithole, Yusuf Maart, Teboho Mokoena, Goodman Mosele, Ethan Brooks, Jesse Donn FORWARDS: Thabiso Kutumela, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Evidence Makgopa, Victor Letsoalo, Luther Singh, Percy Tau, Vincent Pule, Mduduzi Mdantsane, Tshegofatso Mabasa.